AFL slaps Brisbane player with hefty ban for 'highly offensive' slur

The AFL has handed Brisbane player Koby Evans a four-game suspension, after he admitted to using a homophobic slur in the VFL last week.

The Lions and the AFL completed an investigation into the incident during the side's clash with Coburg.

His ownership of the wrongdoing and Brisbane's cooperation in the aftermath likely softened what otherwise would have been a five or six week suspension.

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An AFL statement confirming the suspension labelled the slur "highly offensive" and stated Evans will undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education.

"Everyone understands that homophobia and homophobic language has absolutely no place in our game at any level or in the wider community," AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley said.

"Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field and in society. Koby self-reported this incident and has taken ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.

"It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with another incident of this nature. While we will always examine the individual circumstances, we cannot be more clear that respect and inclusion are not optional in our game - they are fundamental."

The Lions stated at the time that Evans is "extremely remorseful" for the incident.

"The club is aware of the incident and has been working with Coburg and the AFL on it," Brisbane said in a statement.

"The club has confirmed the player has apologised multiple times – on the field and again post match.

"The player is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility.

"The club is disappointed the incident has occurred, while supporting and educating the player."

Evans was selected with pick 38 of the 2025 national draft.

Evans' remark is the second homophobic slur related incident in the VFL this season with St Kilda's Lance Collard recently suspended after he was found guilty of a slur towards former teammate Darby Hipwell.

Appeals board chairman Will Houghton was sacked in the aftermath of that incident after Collard's suspension was reduced from seven weeks to two with Houghton stating racist, sexist or homophobic language was "commonplace" in Australian football.

Adelaide's Izak Rankine was also given a four-match suspension last year for a homophobic remark.